Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has a policy of "zero-tolerance" towards terrorism which he termed as the biggest hurdle on the way of development.

He also said that India has been a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism since long, while speaking at the National Security Guard (NSG) 35th Raising Day celebrations here.

"Terrorism is a curse for society and is the biggest hurdle in the way of development. Our country has suffered the plight of terrorism more than any other country in the world. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed towards a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Today, I am assured of our security because of NSG," Shah said.

"Counter-terrorism operations, counter hijack operations, providing proximate security, bomb disposable squad, providing protective cover in national and international events and other functions. I am quite confident that our country is safe from any terrorist attack with NSG to protect us," said Shah.

He said that abrogation of Article 370 would prove to be a milestone in eradicating terrorism.

"In today's era when there is no traditional war, India is affected with terrorism sponsored by Pakistan since years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a big step by Abrogation article 370 from Kashmir to make nation terrorism free and to save Kashmir. I believe, the step will help to maintain peace in the state," said Shah. (ANI)

 
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has a policy of "zero-tolerance" towards terrorism which he termed as the biggest hurdle on the way of development.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has a policy of "zero-tolerance" towards terrorism which he termed as the biggest hurdle on the way of development. He also said that India has been a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism since long, while speaking at the National Security Guard (NSG) 35th Raising Day celebrations here. "Terrorism is a curse for society and is the biggest hurdle in the way of development. Our country has suffered the plight of terrorism more than any other country in the world. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed towards a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Today, I am assured of our security because of NSG," Shah said. "Counter-terrorism operations, counter hijack operations, providing proximate security, bomb disposable squad, providing protective cover in national and international events and other functions. I am quite confident that our country is safe from any terrorist attack with NSG to protect us," said Shah. He said that abrogation of Article 370 would prove to be a milestone in eradicating terrorism. "In today's era when there is no traditional war, India is affected with terrorism sponsored by Pakistan since years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a big step by Abrogation article 370 from Kashmir to make nation terrorism free and to save Kashmir. I believe, the step will help to maintain peace in the state," said Shah. (ANI)

PM Modi government has zero-tolerance towards terrorism: Amit Shah

In a significant achievement, the world's largest fully government-funded health insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)&nbsp;has given benefit to over 50 lakh patients in their treatment so far.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which is the flagship health assurance scheme of the central government, has now given half a crore hospital treatments in just a year.

According to the government, so far free secondary and tertiary treatment worth nearly Rs&nbsp;7,901 crores have been availed and states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as the top-beneficiary states.

Lauding the progress of the scheme, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/harsh-vardhan-launches-digital-platform-for-oral-health-information-254297">Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan</a> said: "The Ayushman Bharat family is growing by leaps and bounds. In just over one year, under PM-JAY more than 50 lakh treatments have been availed by beneficiaries across the country. But, this is just the beginning for this path-breaking scheme."

"The successful implementation of this scheme will help us take forward Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay's vision of "Antyodaya" - the upliftment of the last man, such that this deprived man gets the benefits of development. The aim of our government is to make Bharat 'Rog mukt and Ayushmaan!'," Vardhan said.

National Health Authority (NHA) chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Indu Bhushan also termed the development as a significant milestone.

"The scheme will continue to focus on reducing catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure, improving access to quality health care and meeting the unmet need of the population for hospitalization care so that we move towards the vision of Universal Health Coverage," he said.

Bhushan also said that empowering the poorest people in the country with the assurance of scheme is a major area of focus.

There were nine hospital admissions every minute across the country in the first year, said the government data.

More than 60 per cent of the amount spent has been on tertiary care. Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Radiation Oncology, Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Surgery, and Urology have emerged as the top tertiary specialities.

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23 last year.

In a significant achievement, the world's largest fully government-funded health insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has given benefit to over 50 lakh patients in their treatment so far.

In a significant achievement, the world's largest fully government-funded health insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has given benefit to over 50 lakh patients in their treatment so far. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which is the flagship health assurance scheme of the central government, has now given half a crore hospital treatments in just a year. According to the government, so far free secondary and tertiary treatment worth nearly Rs 7,901 crores have been availed and states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as the top-beneficiary states. Lauding the progress of the scheme, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said: "The Ayushman Bharat family is growing by leaps and bounds. In just over one year, under PM-JAY more than 50 lakh treatments have been availed by beneficiaries across the country. But, this is just the beginning for this path-breaking scheme." "The successful implementation of this scheme will help us take forward Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay's vision of "Antyodaya" - the upliftment of the last man, such that this deprived man gets the benefits of development. The aim of our government is to make Bharat 'Rog mukt and Ayushmaan!'," Vardhan said. National Health Authority (NHA) chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Indu Bhushan also termed the development as a significant milestone. "The scheme will continue to focus on reducing catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure, improving access to quality health care and meeting the unmet need of the population for hospitalization care so that we move towards the vision of Universal Health Coverage," he said. Bhushan also said that empowering the poorest people in the country with the assurance of scheme is a major area of focus. There were nine hospital admissions every minute across the country in the first year, said the government data. More than 60 per cent of the amount spent has been on tertiary care. Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Radiation Oncology, Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Surgery, and Urology have emerged as the top tertiary specialities. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23 last year.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has benefited 50 lakh patients across country, says Dr Harsh Vardhan

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in Ballabhgarh on Monday.

This will be the first of the four rallies the Prime Minister is scheduled to address in Haryana. He will be in Thanesar (Kurukshetra) and Dadri on October 15 while the last rally before polls commence in the state will be in the Jat-dominated Hissar on October 18.

The Prime Minister is likely to woo the voters using Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's clean image and the developmental works done by the Centre along with the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.

On Sunday, the BJP released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana' (my dreams of Haryana), the BJP made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers' income by 2022 and increase in pension.

The manifesto was released in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP national working president J P Nadda and other party leaders.

Apart from the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other party MPs too are scheduled to hold rallies in the state to help BJP's chances of retaining the state.

Elections to the 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21 along with 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. PM Modi is also set to address rallies in Maharashtra.

The counting of votes is scheduled to commence on October 24.

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in Ballabhgarh on Monday. This will be the first of the four rallies the Prime Minister is scheduled to address in Haryana.

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in Ballabhgarh on Monday. This will be the first of the four rallies the Prime Minister is scheduled to address in Haryana. He will be in Thanesar (Kurukshetra) and Dadri on October 15 while the last rally before polls commence in the state will be in the Jat-dominated Hissar on October 18. The Prime Minister is likely to woo the voters using Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's clean image and the developmental works done by the Centre along with the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. On Sunday, the BJP released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections. In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana' (my dreams of Haryana), the BJP made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers' income by 2022 and increase in pension. The manifesto was released in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP national working president J P Nadda and other party leaders. Apart from the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other party MPs too are scheduled to hold rallies in the state to help BJP's chances of retaining the state. Elections to the 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21 along with 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. PM Modi is also set to address rallies in Maharashtra. The counting of votes is scheduled to commence on October 24.

Haryana Assembly polls: PM Modi to address rally in Ballabhgarh today

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the government is committed to provide energy security to India.

"....Here is the government which is committed for energy security for India. Energy security, which is not blindly using non-environment friendly sources," Sitharaman said addressing India Energy Forum CERAWeek Summit here.

The third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek has been organised in association with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from October 13 to 15.

The Summit, gives a platform to examine the fundamental challenges and opportunities to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy choices to the people of India.

Stating that India's energy sector and energy commitment pose a lot of challenges, the Finance Minister gave a reference of thermal units which are still dependent on coal and said that the concerned Ministry is "moving away from coal base to open renewable sources of energy".

"We have a leadership politically committed to make sure that every Indian gets the basic energy requirements as shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said.

The Union Minister asserted that the government has achieved the target of providing electricity connection to 12 crores families and Liquefied petroleum (LPG) gas cylinders to 8 crores households, which was just a dream for 70 years.

Highlighting the government's efforts to facilitate a friendly environment to investors, she said: "The atmosphere to invest is going to be friendlier in terms of reducing the regulatory mechanisms and their calibrations."

"The BJP government at the Centre announced 'cooperative tax cut' with an intention to make India an attractive destination, Sitharaman said adding that now investors can move towards a newer regime which better and attractive.

On September 20, the Finance Minister made a deep cut in corporate tax rates, from 30 per cent to 22 per cent. She further said that amendments are being made to Company Act so it does not look punitive and driving towards punishment but more towards compliance.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the government is committed to provide energy security to India. "....Here is the government which is committed for energy security for India.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the government is committed to provide energy security to India. "....Here is the government which is committed for energy security for India. Energy security, which is not blindly using non-environment friendly sources," Sitharaman said addressing India Energy Forum CERAWeek Summit here. The third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek has been organised in association with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from October 13 to 15. The Summit, gives a platform to examine the fundamental challenges and opportunities to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy choices to the people of India. Stating that India's energy sector and energy commitment pose a lot of challenges, the Finance Minister gave a reference of thermal units which are still dependent on coal and said that the concerned Ministry is "moving away from coal base to open renewable sources of energy". "We have a leadership politically committed to make sure that every Indian gets the basic energy requirements as shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said. The Union Minister asserted that the government has achieved the target of providing electricity connection to 12 crores families and Liquefied petroleum (LPG) gas cylinders to 8 crores households, which was just a dream for 70 years. Highlighting the government's efforts to facilitate a friendly environment to investors, she said: "The atmosphere to invest is going to be friendlier in terms of reducing the regulatory mechanisms and their calibrations." "The BJP government at the Centre announced 'cooperative tax cut' with an intention to make India an attractive destination, Sitharaman said adding that now investors can move towards a newer regime which better and attractive. On September 20, the Finance Minister made a deep cut in corporate tax rates, from 30 per cent to 22 per cent. She further said that amendments are being made to Company Act so it does not look punitive and driving towards punishment but more towards compliance.

Government committed to provide eco-friendly energy security to India: Nirmala Sitharaman

Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday visited the Kartarpur corridor in Punjab's Gurdaspur&nbsp;and inspected the route.

Bhalla was accompanied by other officials during the visit.

The Home Secretary was apprised of the progress done in the corridor so far.

Bhalla's visit comes ahead of the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8.&nbsp;

The route connects the Dera Babak Nanak shrine in Punjab`s Gurdaspur with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.

On October 12, Union Minister Harsimrat Badal had announced the date of the corridor`s inauguration on social media.

"With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikh Panth`s ardaas for 'khule darshan deedar' of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality! On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM @narendramodi ji inaugurating the #kartarpurcorridor (ICP)," Badal wrote on her Twitter handle.

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With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sikh Panth’s ardaas for ‘khule darshan deedar’ of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality ! 
On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji inaugurating the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kartarpurcorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kartarpurcorridor</a> (ICP). 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/wBHeTRZcma">pic.twitter.com/wBHeTRZcma</a>
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_/status/1182885190667911169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday visited the Kartarpur corridor in Punjab's Gurdaspur and inspected the route. Bhalla was accompanied by other officials during the visit.

Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday visited the Kartarpur corridor in Punjab's Gurdaspur and inspected the route. Bhalla was accompanied by other officials during the visit. The Home Secretary was apprised of the progress done in the corridor so far. Bhalla's visit comes ahead of the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. The route connects the Dera Babak Nanak shrine in Punjab`s Gurdaspur with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. On October 12, Union Minister Harsimrat Badal had announced the date of the corridor`s inauguration on social media. "With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikh Panth`s ardaas for 'khule darshan deedar' of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality! On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM @narendramodi ji inaugurating the #kartarpurcorridor (ICP)," Badal wrote on her Twitter handle. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sikh Panth’s ardaas for ‘khule darshan deedar’ of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality ! On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM @narendramodi ji inaugurating the #kartarpurcorridor (ICP). 1/2 pic.twitter.com/wBHeTRZcma — Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) October 12, 2019 × The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla inspects Kartarpur corridor

One of the two bike-borne miscreants, who allegedly snatched purse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's niece Damayanti Ben Modi has been arrested, police said on Sunday.

The accused has been identified as Nonu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-niece-robbed-in-delhi-snatchers-decamp-with-rs-56000-cash-mobiles-255537">Damayanti Ben's belongings</a> have also been recovered, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North Delhi.

Yesterday, police had said it had identified the two miscreants with the help of CCTV footage. Both the accused are from Delhi.

One of the two is suspected to be a minor.

The robbers on Saturday had snatched the purse of Damayanti Ben while she was alighting from an auto-rickshaw outside the gates of Gujarati Samaj Bhavan in north Delhi`s Civil Lines.

According to Damayanti, she had Rs 56,000 cash, two mobile phones and some important documents in the purse that was snatched by two assailants.

The crime spot is just a few kilometres away from the residences of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

One of the two bike-borne miscreants, who allegedly snatched purse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's niece Damayanti Ben Modi has been arrested, police said on Sunday.

One of the two bike-borne miscreants, who allegedly snatched purse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's niece Damayanti Ben Modi has been arrested, police said on Sunday. The accused has been identified as Nonu. Damayanti Ben's belongings have also been recovered, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North Delhi. Yesterday, police had said it had identified the two miscreants with the help of CCTV footage. Both the accused are from Delhi. One of the two is suspected to be a minor. The robbers on Saturday had snatched the purse of Damayanti Ben while she was alighting from an auto-rickshaw outside the gates of Gujarati Samaj Bhavan in north Delhi`s Civil Lines. According to Damayanti, she had Rs 56,000 cash, two mobile phones and some important documents in the purse that was snatched by two assailants. The crime spot is just a few kilometres away from the residences of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

One arrested for robbing PM Narendra Modis niece: Delhi Police

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Chandivali, Dharavi and Latur.

"Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1183041294244962309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party's lotus symbol.

Meanwhile, the Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. Both parties are contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats.

The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

 
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Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state.

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Chandivali, Dharavi and Latur. "Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 12, 2019 × BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party's lotus symbol. Meanwhile, the Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. Both parties are contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats. The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi to rally for Maharashtra Assembly polls on Sunday

Trade and terror were the top focus on the first day of the second India-China informal summit as leaders of Asia's two largest countries met in the coastal town of Mamallapuram in Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Trade and terror were the top focus on the first day of the second India-China informal summit as leaders of Asia's two largest countries met in the coastal town of Mamallapuram in Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The first day of the informal summit saw, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spending five hours of "quality time". PM Modi showed Chinese President thousands of years old UNESCO world heritage sites of Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna's butterball, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple which was followed by a cultural extravaganza that lasted for two hours. The one-on-one dinner lasted for more than two hours wherein which both the leaders discussed their national vision and governance priorities. Terror and trade was the top focus during the first day. On trade, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "There were discussions on trade-related issues and economic issues and trying to identify areas for investment which two countries can encourage and how to enhance trade volume and trade value which include the issue of trade deficit and unbalance trade." On terror, India and China discussed the "challenges both countries face on account of terrorism. Both leaders said that these are large countries and radicalisation is a matter of concern for both and that both will work together to see that radicalisation and terrorism did not impact the fabric of our multicultural, multiethnic and multi-religious societies and a general sense that this was a common challenge and we will work together," Gokhale added. PM Modi received President Xi at the Arjuna's Penance in traditional south Indian attire, veshti (Dhoti worn in the South Indian way) and angavastram, a South Indian garment draped over the shoulder. Both leaders were seen talking to each other with PM Modi explaining Xi the history of the sites. Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary said the visuals at the separate sites reflect the "personal rapport" they have built in the backdrop of 17 meetings since 2014. Gokhale said, "President and PM during that tour of the monuments spoke of the historical and trading links between the southern part of India, particularly Tamil Nadu under Pallava and Chola dynasties and the eastern coast of China, particularly Fujian province." PM Modi also explained the significance of world heritage sites and highlighted the "harmony between man and nature" at Arjuna's Penance. They shook hands five times during the entire period and drank coconut water at the Panch Ratha site where they sat for 15 minutes. PM Modi also gifted President Xi, Nachiarkoil, branched Annam lamp and Thanjavur Painting of dancing Saraswathi. Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Chennai on Friday afternoon with PM Modi tweeting in Mandarin, Tamil and English to welcome him. This is the third visit of the Chinese president to India since 2014. In 2014, he visited Ahmadabad and in 2016 he visited Goa for the BRICS summit. Xi is accompanied by 90 officials including top Chinese leadership which include Ding Xuexiang who an important aide of President and current General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Yang Jiechi Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission. President Xi met eight top Indian officials including External affair minister S Jaishankar, National security adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign security Vijay Gokhale, joint secretary in PMO Gopal Baglay, Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri at the shore temple. The dinner hosted by PM for the visiting leader in the backdrop of historic Shore temple at the Mamallapuram beach had Tamil delicacies both non-vegetarian and vegetarian on the menu. On Saturday morning, they will again spend time together and around 11 am before the delegation-level talks, they will be making address media. Mamallapuram was chosen as the spot for PM Modi himself and process for the informal summit started in June 2019. India had sent its first recce team in June to the town. While history played an important role, the fact that PM Modi is keen to have big summits outside national capital also played the clincher. Since its an informal summit, no joint statement is expected but both sides will issue separate statements in a coordinated manner.

Trade, terror, top focus of day-one of Modi-Xi meet in Mamallapuram

India and China agreed to continue the positive momentum as two countries wrapped up the second edition of informal summit in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu with the big takeaway being trade.

India and China agreed to continue the positive momentum as two countries wrapped up the second edition of informal summit in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu with the big takeaway being trade. Both PM Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that since Wuhan, the strategic communication between the two countries has deepened and both sides agreed that the informal summit would continue. Modi and Xi spent six hours together during 24 hours the Chinese president was in India. PM said, "Wuhan summit had provided new momentum and thrust and Chennai connect will start a new era of cooperation between the two countries". Modi further said that differences will be "prudently managed" so that they don't become disputes and take care of "each other concerns and sensitivities" Chinese President Xi called "informal summit a good idea" and Wuhan informal summit last year ushered in "new age of health and steady development" and "it continues to produce visible progress..by deeper strategic communication and effective practice cooperation and more diverse people to people and cultural exchanges". "It was a right decision to have informal summit" and we can "continue with this form of meeting," he added. Xi said on Friday he had "heart to heart discussion on bilateral relation" with PM Modi like "friends" and Beijing aims "to maintain and grow India-China relation". The Chinese president said he is "overwhelmed" by India's hospitality and "really feel the sincere welcome" which will be a "memorable experience". Terror was the other big focus. " Both Leaders are concerned that terrorism continues to pose a common threat" and "As countries that are large and diverse, they recognized the importance of continuing to make joint efforts to ensure that the international community strengthens the framework against training, financing and supporting terrorist groups throughout the world and on a non-discriminatory basis," said a press release issued by India stated. The revocation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was neither raised nor discussed by either side. Modi called for balanced trade pact on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the 16-member free trade agreement to which the Chinese President retort was ''New Delhi's concerns will be taken care of''. As part of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), India's defence minister will be soon going to China. As part of people to people contact, two leaders agreed on the establishment of sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province, exploring the possibility of establishing an academy to study links between Mahabalipuram and Fujian province. Both countries celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year and will organise 70 activities including a conference on a ship voyage that will trace the historical connection between the two civilizations. The third informal summit will take place in China.

Wuhan provided fresh momentum, Chennai connect will herald a new era of cooperation between India and China: PM Modi  

Chinese President Xi Jinping was gifted a hand-woven portrait of his by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the final day of the Mamallapuram Informal Summit.

The portrait was painstakingly created by the master weavers of Sri Ramalinga Sowdambigai Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society in Sirumugaipudur in Coimbatore District.

The President's face was intricately woven in gold on a red background with floral patterns on both sides of the portrait to enhance its beauty and elegance.

The personal thought put into the gift was reflected through the usage of the red colour which symbolises luck, joy and happiness in Chinese culture and is also the main colour of the Chinese state flag and the ruling party.

The portrait was made by using pure mulberry silk and 'zari'&nbsp;or gold threads.

A 240 Hooks Electronic Jacquard helped encode the portrait pattern into the design punch cards that created the thread patterns used by the weavers.

The warp and weft used was 20/22 Denier Silk along with half fine zari.

The fine art of silk weaving is an ancient and treasured craft that has been perfected over generations by weavers guarding their distinctive patterns and designs.

Tamil Nadu is home to many such silk traditions that are often named after the ancient towns around which they developed.

Kancheepuram, Arani, Madurai, Coimbatore and Rasipuram are some examples of these timeless classical traditions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was gifted a hand-woven portrait of his by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the final day of the Mamallapuram Informal Summit. The portrait was painstakingly created by the master weavers of Sri Ramalinga Sowdambigai Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society in Sirumugaipudur in Coimbatore District.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was gifted a hand-woven portrait of his by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the final day of the Mamallapuram Informal Summit. The portrait was painstakingly created by the master weavers of Sri Ramalinga Sowdambigai Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society in Sirumugaipudur in Coimbatore District. The President's face was intricately woven in gold on a red background with floral patterns on both sides of the portrait to enhance its beauty and elegance. The personal thought put into the gift was reflected through the usage of the red colour which symbolises luck, joy and happiness in Chinese culture and is also the main colour of the Chinese state flag and the ruling party. The portrait was made by using pure mulberry silk and 'zari' or gold threads. A 240 Hooks Electronic Jacquard helped encode the portrait pattern into the design punch cards that created the thread patterns used by the weavers. The warp and weft used was 20/22 Denier Silk along with half fine zari. The fine art of silk weaving is an ancient and treasured craft that has been perfected over generations by weavers guarding their distinctive patterns and designs. Tamil Nadu is home to many such silk traditions that are often named after the ancient towns around which they developed. Kancheepuram, Arani, Madurai, Coimbatore and Rasipuram are some examples of these timeless classical traditions.

Mamallapuram summit day-2: PM Modi gifts hand-woven silk portrait to Chinese President Xi

After delegation-level talks, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-connect-marks-new-era-in-india-china-relations-pm-modi-255431">Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> visited an exhibition of artefacts and handloom at the Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel on the final day of the second informal summit.

A variety of colourful sarees dotted the walls at the exhibition which was viewed by the two leaders. Modi and Xi had already held one-on-one discussions earlier in the morning.

A range of artefacts were also displayed, including the famous form of Nataraja which is best recalled as the Chola bronze statue.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-informal-summit-was-a-good-idea-will-continue-to-have-such-meetings-xi-jinping-255443">Chinese President</a>'s face was imprinted on at least two of the handlooms exhibited.

During the preceding delegations-level talks, the Prime Minister said that the 'Chennai Connect'&nbsp;is the start of a new era in India-China relations.

Xi said that he had "heart-to-heart" and "candid discussions like friends" with Modi on bilateral ties during the informal summit here.

Watch: Informal diplomacy - the new norm in India's foreign policy

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On the first day, a veshti-wearing Modi had received Xi in the afternoon in the historic coastal city, which is famed for its temples and architecture dating back to the Pallava Dynasty.

The close ties shared between the two leaders shone through, as Modi took Xi on a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Pancha Rathas and the Shore Temple.

The visiting dignitary also relished a variety of Indian cuisine during the dinner hosted by Modi in his honour on Friday. The two leaders met for over two hours over dinner.

The Chennai Summit takes forward the `Wuhan Spirit` forged during the inaugural informal meeting between the two leaders in the Chinese city in April last year.&nbsp;

After delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited an exhibition of artefacts and handloom at the Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel on the final day of the second informal summit.

After delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited an exhibition of artefacts and handloom at the Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel on the final day of the second informal summit. A variety of colourful sarees dotted the walls at the exhibition which was viewed by the two leaders. Modi and Xi had already held one-on-one discussions earlier in the morning. A range of artefacts were also displayed, including the famous form of Nataraja which is best recalled as the Chola bronze statue. The Chinese President's face was imprinted on at least two of the handlooms exhibited. During the preceding delegations-level talks, the Prime Minister said that the 'Chennai Connect' is the start of a new era in India-China relations. Xi said that he had "heart-to-heart" and "candid discussions like friends" with Modi on bilateral ties during the informal summit here. Watch: Informal diplomacy - the new norm in India's foreign policy × On the first day, a veshti-wearing Modi had received Xi in the afternoon in the historic coastal city, which is famed for its temples and architecture dating back to the Pallava Dynasty. The close ties shared between the two leaders shone through, as Modi took Xi on a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Pancha Rathas and the Shore Temple. The visiting dignitary also relished a variety of Indian cuisine during the dinner hosted by Modi in his honour on Friday. The two leaders met for over two hours over dinner. The Chennai Summit takes forward the `Wuhan Spirit` forged during the inaugural informal meeting between the two leaders in the Chinese city in April last year.

PM Modi, Xi Jinping inspect artefacts, handloom on day-2 of Mamallapuram summit

Wrapping up a two-day visit to India for an informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping left for Nepal on Saturday from Chennai International Airport.

Xi arrived in Chennai on Friday and held "heart-to-heart" and "candid discussions like friends" with Prime Minister Modi.

This was their second informal meeting- the first being in China's Wuhan in April last year.

The Chinese President had landed in Chennai on Friday and held a one-on-one discussion with Modi on various issues in the coastal historic city of Mamallapuram.

They also discussed matters related to trade and the economy.

The two leaders spent five hours of "quality time".The two leaders started the second day of the summit with one-to-one talks which lasted for over an hour.

Xi during the delegation-level talks said that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "heart-to-heart" and "candid discussions like friends" on bilateral ties during the second informal summit here.

They concluded the summit with delegation-level talks between India and China.

Upon his arrival, President Xi was accorded a grand welcome by people who lined the streets along with traditional drum players, creating a warm environment which personified the Indian belief of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.

Xi said, "We are really overwhelmed by your hospitality. My colleagues and I have felt that very strongly. This will be a memorable experience for me and for us."

Prime Minister Modi took the visiting Chinese dignitary to three iconic monuments - Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball and the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram- before settling down for a colourful performance.

Modi also gave a guided tour of the monuments to Xi.

The two leaders enjoyed a thrilling cultural performance at Shore Temple's complex in the evening.

The programme showcased the Indian classical dance forms of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam to fast-paced Carnatic music, highlighting the region's magnificent roots.Xi will head to Nepal from Chennai.

As per the schedule, he will be landing in capital Kathmandu at around 4:30 PM.

Xi is set to hold meetings with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on Saturday evening followed by a dinner hosted by her.

He will also hold talks with Nepal`sFormer Prime Minister and Opposition Party Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Chinese President Xi will be meeting Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" on Sunday morning which will be followed by the signing of agreements.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Wrapping up a two-day visit to India for an informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping left for Nepal on Saturday from Chennai International Airport.

Wrapping up a two-day visit to India for an informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping left for Nepal on Saturday from Chennai International Airport. Xi arrived in Chennai on Friday and held "heart-to-heart" and "candid discussions like friends" with Prime Minister Modi. This was their second informal meeting- the first being in China's Wuhan in April last year. The Chinese President had landed in Chennai on Friday and held a one-on-one discussion with Modi on various issues in the coastal historic city of Mamallapuram. They also discussed matters related to trade and the economy. The two leaders spent five hours of "quality time".The two leaders started the second day of the summit with one-to-one talks which lasted for over an hour. Xi during the delegation-level talks said that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "heart-to-heart" and "candid discussions like friends" on bilateral ties during the second informal summit here. They concluded the summit with delegation-level talks between India and China. Upon his arrival, President Xi was accorded a grand welcome by people who lined the streets along with traditional drum players, creating a warm environment which personified the Indian belief of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. Xi said, "We are really overwhelmed by your hospitality. My colleagues and I have felt that very strongly. This will be a memorable experience for me and for us." Prime Minister Modi took the visiting Chinese dignitary to three iconic monuments - Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball and the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram- before settling down for a colourful performance. Modi also gave a guided tour of the monuments to Xi. The two leaders enjoyed a thrilling cultural performance at Shore Temple's complex in the evening. The programme showcased the Indian classical dance forms of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam to fast-paced Carnatic music, highlighting the region's magnificent roots.Xi will head to Nepal from Chennai. As per the schedule, he will be landing in capital Kathmandu at around 4:30 PM. Xi is set to hold meetings with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on Saturday evening followed by a dinner hosted by her. He will also hold talks with Nepal`sFormer Prime Minister and Opposition Party Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba. Chinese President Xi will be meeting Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" on Sunday morning which will be followed by the signing of agreements.

Chinese President Xi Jinping wraps up Chennai visit, leaves for Nepal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted in Chinese, Tamil and English welcoming Xi Jinping to India minutes after the Chinese President arrived in Chennai for the second India-China informal summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted in Chinese, Tamil and English welcoming Xi Jinping to India minutes after the Chinese President arrived in Chennai for the second India-China informal summit. This is the third visit of the Chinese President to India since 2014. In 2014 Xi visited Ahmadabad and in 2016 Goa for the BRICS summit. Modi and Xi are expected to spend three hours together and overall six hours in 24 hours visit of the Chinese President. Watch: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Chennai to grand welcome × He is accompanied by 90 officials including top Chinese leadership which include Ding Xuexiang who an important aide of President and current director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China. Yang Jiechi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, the minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission are the other important diginitaries accopanying President Xi. Around 5 pm, PM Modi will provide a guided tour of three important UNESCO world heritage sites -- Arjuna’s Penance, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple -- to the Chinese President. The town has a rich history and during the Pallava empire, it is believed to have been an important trading-post connected to China. In the evening after the cultural performances, PM Modi will host a dinner for the visiting leader in the backdrop of historic Shore temple at the Mahabalipuram Beach. Tamil delicacies both non-vegetarian and vegetarian will be on the menu during the dinner which will have 16 top officials from both sides, 8 each from India and Chinese side, excluding the top leadership. On Friday morning, they will again spend time together and around 11 am before the delegation-level talks, they will be making opening remarks to media. The first summit informal summit between the two leaders took place in Wuhan, China and focus in this year's summit will be too keep the momentum generated from the last year's summit. Mamallapuram was chosen as the spot for PM Modi himself and process for the informal summit started in June 2019. India sent its first recce team in June to the town. While history played an important role, the fact that PM Modi is keen to have big summits outside national capital was the clincher. PM Modi will also be gifting the Chinese President, though it has not been disclosed what will be given by the Indian side. Since its an informal summit, no joint statement is expected but both sides will issue separate statements in a coordinated manner.

What to expect from second informal summit between Modi and Xi

A red carpet was rolled out on Friday to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in the city with a grand cultural performance at the airport and school students waving flags of India and China in full display.&nbsp;

Children in a large number were also seen holding cute panda soft toys.&nbsp;

With Xi`s photo in the backdrop, children stood in a pattern to say `welcome` in Chinese. `Hearty welcome` was also written in yellow close to the formation of the pupils, who were dressed in red T-shirts.

The Chinese President arrived in Chennai to kick start a two-day informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mamallapuram, a coastal town located about 56-km south of Chennai.

Xi will proceed to Mamallapuram amid tight security by road, where he will meet Prime Minister Modi.

The Chennai airport was also decked with flowers, banana leaves and flags of both India and China in the honour of the Chinese President.

Security has also been heightened across Chennai and Mamallapuram.&nbsp;

Normal traffic in the city has also been diverted at many places in a bid to ensure safety. Xi is accompanied by China`s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Politburo members on his visit.

The Chennai informal summit will provide an opportunity to the two leaders to continue their discussions on overarching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance and to exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

In the summit, the focus of the talks is likely to be on steps to ensure mutual development and expanding overall ties between the two countries.

A red carpet was rolled out on Friday to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in the city with a grand cultural performance at the airport and school students waving flags of India and China in full display.

A red carpet was rolled out on Friday to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in the city with a grand cultural performance at the airport and school students waving flags of India and China in full display. Children in a large number were also seen holding cute panda soft toys. With Xi`s photo in the backdrop, children stood in a pattern to say `welcome` in Chinese. `Hearty welcome` was also written in yellow close to the formation of the pupils, who were dressed in red T-shirts. The Chinese President arrived in Chennai to kick start a two-day informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mamallapuram, a coastal town located about 56-km south of Chennai. Xi will proceed to Mamallapuram amid tight security by road, where he will meet Prime Minister Modi. The Chennai airport was also decked with flowers, banana leaves and flags of both India and China in the honour of the Chinese President. Security has also been heightened across Chennai and Mamallapuram. Normal traffic in the city has also been diverted at many places in a bid to ensure safety. Xi is accompanied by China`s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Politburo members on his visit. The Chennai informal summit will provide an opportunity to the two leaders to continue their discussions on overarching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance and to exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. In the summit, the focus of the talks is likely to be on steps to ensure mutual development and expanding overall ties between the two countries.

India rolls out red carpet to welcome Xi Jinping in Chennai

The agenda for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-president-xi-jinping-to-arrive-in-chennai-for-second-india-china-informal-summit-will-meet-pm-modi-in-mamallapuram-today-255091">second India-China informal summit</a> seems definite - talks on boosting bilateral ties, trade, connectivity, border security and resolving regional and global issues. The informal summit between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-mamallapuram-ahead-of-informal-summit-with-president-xi-255157">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram.

On the first day of Jinping's visit on Friday, he will meet PM Modi in Mamallapuram and visit some UNESCO world heritage sites in the evening. On Saturday, Modi and Xi will have one-to-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks.

Bilateral, regional issues

During the informal summit, President Xi and PM Modi are expected to hold discussions on bilateral, regional and global importance and exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

No MoUs

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, no Memorandum&nbsp;of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between India and China. The nature of the summit will essentially be similar to the first summit that took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-summit-in-wuhan-removed-several-misconceptions-between-india-and-china-indian-envoy-177673">Wuhan, China last year</a>.

Border security, confidence-building&nbsp;

The leaders are expected to agree on new security measures along the unsettled border, officials said, in an effort to smooth ties ruffled by differences over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The two sides will move forward on a set of confidence-building measures, an Indian source briefed on the discussions told Reuters.

"Priority will be given to enhancing confidence-building measures and people-to-people exchanges," Reuters quoted a second government source.

Territorial disputes, trade deficit, 5G

The prime minister will also hold one-to-one talks designed for a free exchange of ideas on issues ranging from territorial disputes to India's ballooning trade deficit with China and the question of allowing Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei into India's 5G network.

"Xi will have in-depth communication with Modi on issues that have overall, long-term and strategic significance on bilateral relations, set the tune and guide the direction for the future development of the ties," Chinese state media quoted Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui as saying.

Differences remain

The meet comes in the backdrop of Beijing supporting Islamabad in raising the matter of abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

China had criticised New Delhi's move on Kashmir. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised the matter at the UN General Assembly last month.

India continues to maintain that the abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-wuhan-india-china-decide-to-set-up-militaryhotline-report-134118">Wuhan</a> - a milestone!

Last year, PM Modi visited Wuhan in China for the first informal summit. Former External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj had termed the meeting a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-was-a-milestone-pm-modi-president-xi-have-personal-connect-sushma-swaraj-185698">milestone in bilateral relations</a>".&nbsp;

She added, "the armies of both countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations."

The prime minister had said that the Wuhan summit provided "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">stability and momentum</a>" to India-China ties.&nbsp;

The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the Wuhan informal summit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The agenda for the second India-China informal summit seems definite - talks on boosting bilateral ties, trade, connectivity, border security and resolving regional and global issues.

The agenda for the second India-China informal summit seems definite - talks on boosting bilateral ties, trade, connectivity, border security and resolving regional and global issues. The informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram. On the first day of Jinping's visit on Friday, he will meet PM Modi in Mamallapuram and visit some UNESCO world heritage sites in the evening. On Saturday, Modi and Xi will have one-to-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks. Bilateral, regional issues During the informal summit, President Xi and PM Modi are expected to hold discussions on bilateral, regional and global importance and exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. No MoUs According to the Ministry of External Affairs, no Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between India and China. The nature of the summit will essentially be similar to the first summit that took place in Wuhan, China last year. Border security, confidence-building The leaders are expected to agree on new security measures along the unsettled border, officials said, in an effort to smooth ties ruffled by differences over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported. The two sides will move forward on a set of confidence-building measures, an Indian source briefed on the discussions told Reuters. "Priority will be given to enhancing confidence-building measures and people-to-people exchanges," Reuters quoted a second government source. Territorial disputes, trade deficit, 5G The prime minister will also hold one-to-one talks designed for a free exchange of ideas on issues ranging from territorial disputes to India's ballooning trade deficit with China and the question of allowing Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei into India's 5G network. "Xi will have in-depth communication with Modi on issues that have overall, long-term and strategic significance on bilateral relations, set the tune and guide the direction for the future development of the ties," Chinese state media quoted Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui as saying. Differences remain The meet comes in the backdrop of Beijing supporting Islamabad in raising the matter of abrogation of Article 370. China had criticised New Delhi's move on Kashmir. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised the matter at the UN General Assembly last month. India continues to maintain that the abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter. Wuhan - a milestone! Last year, PM Modi visited Wuhan in China for the first informal summit. Former External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj had termed the meeting a "milestone in bilateral relations". She added, "the armies of both countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations." The prime minister had said that the Wuhan summit provided "stability and momentum" to India-China ties. The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the Wuhan informal summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi-Xi second informal summit: Focus on border security, boosting trade and bilateral ties 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a commemorative stamp in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force late Arjan Singh at an event here.

"This year we mark the birth centenary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC. As a tribute to his exemplary service to our nation, a stamp was released. May his courage keep motivating the people of our nation for years to come," tweeted PM Modi after attending the Air Force at-home reception.

The commemorative stamp was launched during Prime Minister Modi`s visit to the IAF exhibition on 'Self Reliance Through Innovation and Indigenisation'&nbsp;at Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria`s residence.

Arjan Singh is an icon of Indian military history and the best remembered for providing excellent leadership to a young IAF during the 1965 war.

He served as the Chief of Air Staff from August 1964 to July 1969.

Even after retirement, he continued to serve in various positions including India's Ambassador to several countries.

Government of India designated him as the Marshal of the Air Force in January 2002. He remains the only officer of the IAF to be given a Five-Star rank. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a commemorative stamp in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force late Arjan Singh at an event here. "This year we mark the birth centenary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a commemorative stamp in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force late Arjan Singh at an event here. "This year we mark the birth centenary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC. As a tribute to his exemplary service to our nation, a stamp was released. May his courage keep motivating the people of our nation for years to come," tweeted PM Modi after attending the Air Force at-home reception. The commemorative stamp was launched during Prime Minister Modi`s visit to the IAF exhibition on 'Self Reliance Through Innovation and Indigenisation' at Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria`s residence. Arjan Singh is an icon of Indian military history and the best remembered for providing excellent leadership to a young IAF during the 1965 war. He served as the Chief of Air Staff from August 1964 to July 1969. Even after retirement, he continued to serve in various positions including India's Ambassador to several countries. Government of India designated him as the Marshal of the Air Force in January 2002. He remains the only officer of the IAF to be given a Five-Star rank.

PM Modi launches commemorative stamp to honour Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case against him over his "why all thieves share the Modi surname" remark.

The former party president appeared before a Surat magisterial court and filed an application for a permanent exemption.

The court fixed the matter for hearing on December 10, 2019. The case was filed against Gandhi for stating, "why " during the Lok Sabha election campaign earlier this year.

The Gandhi scion had made the remarks during campaigning for Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

His party colleague Shaktisinh Gohil defended Gandhi and said that the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition.

"In a democracy, the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition. Rahul ji had said Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi are thieves and Narendra Modi is a failure. BJP connected his statement to the Modi community and insulted them," said Shaktisinh Gohil, a Congress leader. Senior party leader Ahmed Patel also backed Gandhi and said, "Let the law takes its own course."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case against him over his "why all thieves share the Modi surname" remark. The former party president appeared before a Surat magisterial court and filed an application for a permanent exemption.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case against him over his "why all thieves share the Modi surname" remark. The former party president appeared before a Surat magisterial court and filed an application for a permanent exemption. The court fixed the matter for hearing on December 10, 2019. The case was filed against Gandhi for stating, "why " during the Lok Sabha election campaign earlier this year. The Gandhi scion had made the remarks during campaigning for Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. His party colleague Shaktisinh Gohil defended Gandhi and said that the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition. "In a democracy, the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition. Rahul ji had said Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi are thieves and Narendra Modi is a failure. BJP connected his statement to the Modi community and insulted them," said Shaktisinh Gohil, a Congress leader. Senior party leader Ahmed Patel also backed Gandhi and said, "Let the law takes its own course."

Rahul pleads not guilty in 'why all thieves share Modi surname' defamation case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a commemorative stamp in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force late Arjan Singh at an event here.

"This year we mark the birth centenary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC. As a tribute to his exemplary service to our nation, a stamp was released. May his courage keep motivating the people of our nation for years to come," tweeted PM Modi after attending the Air Force at-home reception.

The commemorative stamp was launched during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the IAF exhibition on 'Self Reliance Through Innovation and Indigenisation' at Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria's residence.

Arjan Singh is an icon of Indian military history and the best remembered for providing excellent leadership to a young IAF during the 1965 war.

He served as the Chief of Air Staff from August 1964 to July 1969. Even after retirement, he continued to serve in various positions including India's Ambassador to several countries.

Government of India designated him as the Marshal of the Air Force in January 2002. He remains the only officer of the IAF to be given a Five-Star rank.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a commemorative stamp in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force late Arjan Singh at an event here. "This year we mark the birth centenary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC. As a tribute to his exemplary service to our nation, a stamp was released. May his courage keep motivating the people of our nation for years to come," tweeted PM Modi after attending the Air Force at-home reception. The commemorative stamp was launched during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the IAF exhibition on 'Self Reliance Through Innovation and Indigenisation' at Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria's residence. Arjan Singh is an icon of Indian military history and the best remembered for providing excellent leadership to a young IAF during the 1965 war. He served as the Chief of Air Staff from August 1964 to July 1969. Even after retirement, he continued to serve in various positions including India's Ambassador to several countries. Government of India designated him as the Marshal of the Air Force in January 2002. He remains the only officer of the IAF to be given a Five-Star rank.

PM Narendra Modi launches commemorative stamp to honour Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2019 representing an increase of five per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay or pension, to compensate for price rise.

It will benefit about 49.93 lakh central government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners and represents an increase of 5 per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate for price rise.&nbsp;

The impact of the increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs 15909.35 crore per annum and Rs 10606.20 crore in this financial year.&nbsp;

An official release said the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.&nbsp;

Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is paid to central government employees and pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real value. Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is revised twice a year from January 1 and July 1.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2019 representing an increase of five per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay or pension, to compensate for price rise.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2019 representing an increase of five per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay or pension, to compensate for price rise. It will benefit about 49.93 lakh central government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners and represents an increase of 5 per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate for price rise. The impact of the increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs 15909.35 crore per annum and Rs 10606.20 crore in this financial year. An official release said the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission. Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is paid to central government employees and pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real value. Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is revised twice a year from January 1 and July 1. (With inputs from ANI)

Cabinet approves 5 per cent additional Dearness Allowance for 50 lakh government employees

September 22, 2019, is an inflection point in the long journey of the Indian diaspora. #HowdyModi is a first in many ways for its sheer scale and impact.&nbsp;

For the first time in recent history, a bipartisan array of lawmakers and the President of the United States of America were being hosted on their own soil by a foreign leader at a public event.&nbsp;

At 31 million, People of Indian Origin (PIO) constitute one of the - if not the largest - diasporas in the world. Due to internal fragmentation, it has remained largely only on paper, and never fulfilled its political potential.&nbsp;

Globally through his community events, Modi has been able to bring the diaspora together like never before. Through the power of their numbers and achievements, and his personal charisma, Modi has made the Indian diaspora a force to reckon with.&nbsp;

But political power is the first step. India should leverage the potential of the diaspora further and engage them in her growth story.

The Indian diaspora is globally respected as a law-abiding and professionally successful people. Through their grit and hard work, many of them have gone on to become the heads of state, CEOs of large corporations, award-winning scientists, etc. They contribute about 3 per cent of India’s GDP through their remittances.&nbsp;

Other than inviting investments and remittances, India is yet to engage their expertise back home yet. We are underutilising the potential of our diaspora. &nbsp;The first step of uniting them and connecting them emotionally back to the Indian growth story has been achieved. It is time for the next step, to engage their functional expertise.

One institutional method of engaging the Indian diaspora would be to create an elected shadow Cabinet, which would support the Indian Cabinet ministers through their domain expertise.&nbsp;

This shadow Cabinet can be elected globally through an online voting process. There can be specific shadow Cabinet ministers based on functional expertise - science and technology, space, commerce and industry, tourism, new and renewable energy, electronics and information technology and shipping, among others.

Another deeper institutional engagement is to have the diaspora’s representation in the Indian Parliament itself. At the current numbers of 31 million PIOs, we could perhaps think of adding a few ‘diaspora seats’ in the Lok Sabha (with lesser powers than the domestic representatives).&nbsp;

Alternatively, India can constitute a third house in the Parliament with its own mandate, say a ‘Pravasi Sabha’. The sabha can be elected by PIOs in pre-defined constituencies globally via online voting. They can meet annually, rather than as per the current schedule of the Parliament. &nbsp;There are obvious concerns about undue foreign influence in sovereign legislation. These concerns can be addressed and avoided if India legislates the mandate of the Pravasi parliamentarians carefully - giving them enough opportunity to support, but not powers that lead to unwanted lobbying of foreign interests.&nbsp;

Just like companies have different classes of shares that define their powers, Pravasi sabha is not equivalent to other houses. &nbsp;The Indian diaspora can be trusted to perform a constructive role through its representation in the Parliament. This is not just an enabler, but a testimony of the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam.

Given the excitement of the Indian diaspora to contribute back to their home country, this would offer them an unprecedented opportunity at the highest level.&nbsp;

India would, in turn, be able to engage the best talent globally in its growth story. It is a win-win for all parties. The diaspora, which was once ignored and fragmented, can become a potent force for India.&nbsp;

Such a tricameral house will be a first in the world. India’s unique strength to conceive and implement this lies in the large population of its diaspora and a deep connection with their motherland that has been brought to the forefront under Prime Minister Modi, who has to his credit many firsts, whether domestic or foreign. This foreign policy innovation of engaging diaspora back with the motherland through the Parliament will perhaps be the most innovative of them all. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-diaspora-in-parliament-an-idea-whose-time-has-come-2795692">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

September 22, 2019, is an inflection point in the long journey of the Indian diaspora. #HowdyModi is a first in many ways for its sheer scale and impact. For the first time in recent history, a bipartisan array of lawmakers and the President of the United States of America were being hosted on their own soil by a foreign leader at a public event.

September 22, 2019, is an inflection point in the long journey of the Indian diaspora. #HowdyModi is a first in many ways for its sheer scale and impact. For the first time in recent history, a bipartisan array of lawmakers and the President of the United States of America were being hosted on their own soil by a foreign leader at a public event. At 31 million, People of Indian Origin (PIO) constitute one of the - if not the largest - diasporas in the world. Due to internal fragmentation, it has remained largely only on paper, and never fulfilled its political potential. Globally through his community events, Modi has been able to bring the diaspora together like never before. Through the power of their numbers and achievements, and his personal charisma, Modi has made the Indian diaspora a force to reckon with. But political power is the first step. India should leverage the potential of the diaspora further and engage them in her growth story. The Indian diaspora is globally respected as a law-abiding and professionally successful people. Through their grit and hard work, many of them have gone on to become the heads of state, CEOs of large corporations, award-winning scientists, etc. They contribute about 3 per cent of India’s GDP through their remittances. Other than inviting investments and remittances, India is yet to engage their expertise back home yet. We are underutilising the potential of our diaspora. The first step of uniting them and connecting them emotionally back to the Indian growth story has been achieved. It is time for the next step, to engage their functional expertise. One institutional method of engaging the Indian diaspora would be to create an elected shadow Cabinet, which would support the Indian Cabinet ministers through their domain expertise. This shadow Cabinet can be elected globally through an online voting process. There can be specific shadow Cabinet ministers based on functional expertise - science and technology, space, commerce and industry, tourism, new and renewable energy, electronics and information technology and shipping, among others. Another deeper institutional engagement is to have the diaspora’s representation in the Indian Parliament itself. At the current numbers of 31 million PIOs, we could perhaps think of adding a few ‘diaspora seats’ in the Lok Sabha (with lesser powers than the domestic representatives). Alternatively, India can constitute a third house in the Parliament with its own mandate, say a ‘Pravasi Sabha’. The sabha can be elected by PIOs in pre-defined constituencies globally via online voting. They can meet annually, rather than as per the current schedule of the Parliament. There are obvious concerns about undue foreign influence in sovereign legislation. These concerns can be addressed and avoided if India legislates the mandate of the Pravasi parliamentarians carefully - giving them enough opportunity to support, but not powers that lead to unwanted lobbying of foreign interests. Just like companies have different classes of shares that define their powers, Pravasi sabha is not equivalent to other houses. The Indian diaspora can be trusted to perform a constructive role through its representation in the Parliament. This is not just an enabler, but a testimony of the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam. Given the excitement of the Indian diaspora to contribute back to their home country, this would offer them an unprecedented opportunity at the highest level. India would, in turn, be able to engage the best talent globally in its growth story. It is a win-win for all parties. The diaspora, which was once ignored and fragmented, can become a potent force for India. Such a tricameral house will be a first in the world. India’s unique strength to conceive and implement this lies in the large population of its diaspora and a deep connection with their motherland that has been brought to the forefront under Prime Minister Modi, who has to his credit many firsts, whether domestic or foreign. This foreign policy innovation of engaging diaspora back with the motherland through the Parliament will perhaps be the most innovative of them all. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Diaspora in Parliament: An idea whose time has come

Mahabalipuram, a historically important place during the Pallava Empire, is all set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 11 for his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
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The two leaders had held the first informal summit in Wuhan last year, which significantly helped normalise the turbulent bilateral relationship in the aftermath of the 73-day Doklam crisis. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and his administration’s decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods, has also generated the prospect of improvement in relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

This became evident when China agreed to address India’s concern about the increasing bilateral trade deficit, deciding to take measures to increase import of rice and sugar and accelerate the process of review and approvals of Indian pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods.

However, China’s promise in this regard proved only rhetoric, with the trade deficit having touched US$ 57.86 billion in 2018. Moreover, India’s exports to China declined by 1.62 per cent to reach $7.70 billion in the first six months of 2019. While economic and trade issues have been a major bone of contention between the two sides, recent developments have added to the rising tensions. India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and divide the Indian state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, has not gone down too well with the big dragon.

China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear and consistent, a Chinese government spokesperson said, adding that it is a legacy of history between India and Pakistan, which it says is also the consensus of the international community. China also expressed its opposition to India’s move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh, saying that there are areas of dispute between the two nations which, according to Beijing, affects China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Beijing even went to the extent of raising this issue at the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations, miserably failing to garner any favourable response of the world community.

While India strongly responded to China’s attempt to interfere in its internal matter, the global community became sharply aware of how strongly China was trying to protect Pakistan, a breeding ground for terrorists.

In August, the armed forces of China and Pakistan held the Shaheen-VIII air force joint exercise. And, just before Jinping’s India visit, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be in China to boost bilateral strategic ties.

China’s expanding presence in South Asian countries also has serious ramifications for India’s security. This is why over the last five years, the Modi government has taken all possible efforts to improve ties with its neighbours.

The recent opening of the oil pipeline between India and Nepal will have a profound impact on cementing relations between the two friendly countries.

Another stumbling block between India and China is the long-standing border dispute. While both the countries have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve this problem through peaceful means, China’s assertive posturing against India along the border in the recent times has underscored their real intent.

While Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, Beijing - referring to it as South Tibet - puts its claim over the state. In turn, when the Indian armed forces have just concluded “Him Vijay” – the biggest ever mountain combat exercise, China has objected to such exercises, putting a big question mark over the outcome of the upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi.

The expanding ties between India and the US and Modi’s government’s decision to endorse the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy have also created an impression in China about India becoming part of a larger US containment policy towards it.

While it is logical for India and China to compete with each other, as the two aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping the geo-strategic direction of Asia, it must be backed by peace, security, development and prosperity. One can only hope that during his upcoming visit, President Xi will make some concrete announcements to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. 
 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-from-wuhan-to-mahabalipuram-under-the-shadow-of-kashmir-2795438">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Mahabalipuram, a historically important place during the Pallava Empire, is all set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 11 for his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mahabalipuram, a historically important place during the Pallava Empire, is all set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 11 for his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Advertisement The two leaders had held the first informal summit in Wuhan last year, which significantly helped normalise the turbulent bilateral relationship in the aftermath of the 73-day Doklam crisis. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and his administration’s decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods, has also generated the prospect of improvement in relations between New Delhi and Beijing. This became evident when China agreed to address India’s concern about the increasing bilateral trade deficit, deciding to take measures to increase import of rice and sugar and accelerate the process of review and approvals of Indian pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods. However, China’s promise in this regard proved only rhetoric, with the trade deficit having touched US$ 57.86 billion in 2018. Moreover, India’s exports to China declined by 1.62 per cent to reach $7.70 billion in the first six months of 2019. While economic and trade issues have been a major bone of contention between the two sides, recent developments have added to the rising tensions. India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and divide the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, has not gone down too well with the big dragon. China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear and consistent, a Chinese government spokesperson said, adding that it is a legacy of history between India and Pakistan, which it says is also the consensus of the international community. China also expressed its opposition to India’s move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh, saying that there are areas of dispute between the two nations which, according to Beijing, affects China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Beijing even went to the extent of raising this issue at the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations, miserably failing to garner any favourable response of the world community. While India strongly responded to China’s attempt to interfere in its internal matter, the global community became sharply aware of how strongly China was trying to protect Pakistan, a breeding ground for terrorists. In August, the armed forces of China and Pakistan held the Shaheen-VIII air force joint exercise. And, just before Jinping’s India visit, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be in China to boost bilateral strategic ties. China’s expanding presence in South Asian countries also has serious ramifications for India’s security. This is why over the last five years, the Modi government has taken all possible efforts to improve ties with its neighbours. The recent opening of the oil pipeline between India and Nepal will have a profound impact on cementing relations between the two friendly countries. Another stumbling block between India and China is the long-standing border dispute. While both the countries have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve this problem through peaceful means, China’s assertive posturing against India along the border in the recent times has underscored their real intent. While Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, Beijing - referring to it as South Tibet - puts its claim over the state. In turn, when the Indian armed forces have just concluded “Him Vijay” – the biggest ever mountain combat exercise, China has objected to such exercises, putting a big question mark over the outcome of the upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi. The expanding ties between India and the US and Modi’s government’s decision to endorse the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy have also created an impression in China about India becoming part of a larger US containment policy towards it. While it is logical for India and China to compete with each other, as the two aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping the geo-strategic direction of Asia, it must be backed by peace, security, development and prosperity. One can only hope that during his upcoming visit, President Xi will make some concrete announcements to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kashmir shadow looms large over Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping meet

The all-India general Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was steady at 3.21% in August 2019, compared to 3.15% in July 2019. Core CPI inflation eased to 4.20 per cent in August 2019 compared with 4.25 per cent in July 2019. 
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Also, cumulative CPI inflation declined to 3.11 per cent in April-August of 2019-20 compared with 4.44 per cent in April-August 2018-19.

The war on inflation has been won decisively by the Narendra Modi led government, thanks to proactive management of the current account balance. The current account deficit (CAD) for 2018-19 stood at 2.1 per cent of GDP, just a tad higher than the 1.8 per cent for 2017-18.&nbsp;

India’s trade deficit increased to $180.3 billion in 2018-19 from $160 billion in 2017-18, largely due to higher oil import bill. Needless to add, global crude and local fuel prices will, therefore, be the fulcrum around which both CAD and domestic inflation will revolve.

The recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia for instance, led to a 19.5% spike in global crude prices in barely 24 hours, shaving off 5 per cent from global supplies, showcasing how volatile global oil prices can be. Every dollar increase in the price of oil raises India’s import bill by about Rs. 10,700 crore on an annualised basis. India spent $111.9 billion on oil imports in 2018-19.

Also, a 10 per cent spike in crude prices can result in roughly a 0.2-0.40 per cent widening of the CAD, other things remaining constant. This, in turn, can play out into a 2-4 per cent depreciation in the rupee and also push up inflation by 0.1-0.2 per cent.

India’s crude imports averaged 4.5 million barrels per day over the first seven months of this year, of which close to 20 per cent was from Saudi Arabia. While prima facie India may therefore seem vulnerable, the truth is we have enough strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) and commercial crude stocks as cushion.

Again, India has oil reserves equivalent to at least 75 days of net imports. This will increase further to 87 days once the second phase of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves (ISPRs), which aims to add 12 days’ of crude storage, is fully operational. This includes the refineries’ inbuilt capacity of 65 days.

Concerns have been voiced about India stopping oil imports from Iran since May 2019. Iran used to meet a tenth of our crude demand, making India the third largest customer for the Persian country. The challenge to find alternate suppliers who will be able to deliver at competitive prices is, however, not a problem in the new oil polity that has taken shape in the past few years.

During the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, India suffered. In the case of the Gulf War, there was added impact of Indian workers returning home, straining India’s balance of payments. However India in 2019, under the powerful leadership of Narendra Modi, commands and negotiates from a position of strength.

For instance, the CAD for the June 2019 quarter contracted on a Y-o-y basis on account of higher invisible receipts at $ 31.9 billion as compared with $ 29.9 billion a year ago.

Net services receipts increased by 7.3 per cent on a Y-o-y basis, mainly on the back of a rise in net earnings from travel, financial services and telecommunications, computer and information services. Private transfer receipts, mainly representing remittances by Indians employed overseas, rose to $ 19.9 billion, increasing by 6.2 per cent from their level a year ago in the same quarter.

Lower oil prices in the past few years have significantly improved India’s terms of trade, giving it ample leeway. The cost of the Indian basket of crude, which averaged $47.56 and $56.43 a barrel in 2016-17 and 2017-18, was $59.35 in August 2019, according to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell.&nbsp;

The average price inched up marginally to $59.35 a barrel on September 13, 2019, &nbsp;and this despite heightened global tensions between US and China, Saudi Arabia and Iran, Yemen and Houthi rebels and of course the standoff between UK and Iran, amidst the festering Brexit crisis. It is worth noting that the Indian basket of crude represents the average of Oman, Dubai and Brent Crude.

Despite Russia, China and Turkey continuing their oil-related engagements with Iran, much to the consternation of the US, India engineered a diplomatic coup of sorts by stopping imports from Iran and earning a strong ally in the Trump administration.

By the end of 2019, the United States will become a net energy exporter, shipping out 1.1 million barrels more than it imports. US had been a net energy importer since 1953. But oil production there will now rise until 2027 when it levels off at around 30 million barrels per day. With the US pumping crude at record levels, any deficit by Iran will be filled in suitably.&nbsp;

The oil industry has changed fundamentally as sell. Global oil demand only increased by 1.6% in 2017 and 1.3% in 2018, according to the International Energy Administration.

Most of the increase came from China, which now consumes 13% of global oil production but that number is slated to fall sharply due to the country’s slowing growth. &nbsp;Again, to the Modi government’s credit, it executed a $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement with Japan in October 2018, for payments to be settled in Yen and Rupees, eliminating the need to use Dollars as a medium of exchange, with another one executed with UAE, to trade in Rupees and Dirham.&nbsp;

These measures to maintain a comfortable forex kitty hit a high of $434.6 billion in October 2019 and will ensure India is no longer subjected to the whims and fancies of a rapidly changing global dynamic that is no longer greased by the oil wells in Ghawar, but by the bountiful wells in the Gulf of Mexico

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-mexican-gulf-not-ghawar-wells-2795440">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The all-India general Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was steady at 3.21% in August 2019, compared to 3.15% in July 2019. Core CPI inflation eased to 4.20 per cent in August 2019 compared with 4.

The all-India general Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was steady at 3.21% in August 2019, compared to 3.15% in July 2019. Core CPI inflation eased to 4.20 per cent in August 2019 compared with 4.25 per cent in July 2019. Advertisement Also, cumulative CPI inflation declined to 3.11 per cent in April-August of 2019-20 compared with 4.44 per cent in April-August 2018-19. The war on inflation has been won decisively by the Narendra Modi led government, thanks to proactive management of the current account balance. The current account deficit (CAD) for 2018-19 stood at 2.1 per cent of GDP, just a tad higher than the 1.8 per cent for 2017-18. India’s trade deficit increased to $180.3 billion in 2018-19 from $160 billion in 2017-18, largely due to higher oil import bill. Needless to add, global crude and local fuel prices will, therefore, be the fulcrum around which both CAD and domestic inflation will revolve. The recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia for instance, led to a 19.5% spike in global crude prices in barely 24 hours, shaving off 5 per cent from global supplies, showcasing how volatile global oil prices can be. Every dollar increase in the price of oil raises India’s import bill by about Rs. 10,700 crore on an annualised basis. India spent $111.9 billion on oil imports in 2018-19. Also, a 10 per cent spike in crude prices can result in roughly a 0.2-0.40 per cent widening of the CAD, other things remaining constant. This, in turn, can play out into a 2-4 per cent depreciation in the rupee and also push up inflation by 0.1-0.2 per cent. India’s crude imports averaged 4.5 million barrels per day over the first seven months of this year, of which close to 20 per cent was from Saudi Arabia. While prima facie India may therefore seem vulnerable, the truth is we have enough strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) and commercial crude stocks as cushion. Again, India has oil reserves equivalent to at least 75 days of net imports. This will increase further to 87 days once the second phase of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves (ISPRs), which aims to add 12 days’ of crude storage, is fully operational. This includes the refineries’ inbuilt capacity of 65 days. Concerns have been voiced about India stopping oil imports from Iran since May 2019. Iran used to meet a tenth of our crude demand, making India the third largest customer for the Persian country. The challenge to find alternate suppliers who will be able to deliver at competitive prices is, however, not a problem in the new oil polity that has taken shape in the past few years. During the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, India suffered. In the case of the Gulf War, there was added impact of Indian workers returning home, straining India’s balance of payments. However India in 2019, under the powerful leadership of Narendra Modi, commands and negotiates from a position of strength. For instance, the CAD for the June 2019 quarter contracted on a Y-o-y basis on account of higher invisible receipts at $ 31.9 billion as compared with $ 29.9 billion a year ago. Net services receipts increased by 7.3 per cent on a Y-o-y basis, mainly on the back of a rise in net earnings from travel, financial services and telecommunications, computer and information services. Private transfer receipts, mainly representing remittances by Indians employed overseas, rose to $ 19.9 billion, increasing by 6.2 per cent from their level a year ago in the same quarter. Lower oil prices in the past few years have significantly improved India’s terms of trade, giving it ample leeway. The cost of the Indian basket of crude, which averaged $47.56 and $56.43 a barrel in 2016-17 and 2017-18, was $59.35 in August 2019, according to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell. The average price inched up marginally to $59.35 a barrel on September 13, 2019, and this despite heightened global tensions between US and China, Saudi Arabia and Iran, Yemen and Houthi rebels and of course the standoff between UK and Iran, amidst the festering Brexit crisis. It is worth noting that the Indian basket of crude represents the average of Oman, Dubai and Brent Crude. Despite Russia, China and Turkey continuing their oil-related engagements with Iran, much to the consternation of the US, India engineered a diplomatic coup of sorts by stopping imports from Iran and earning a strong ally in the Trump administration. By the end of 2019, the United States will become a net energy exporter, shipping out 1.1 million barrels more than it imports. US had been a net energy importer since 1953. But oil production there will now rise until 2027 when it levels off at around 30 million barrels per day. With the US pumping crude at record levels, any deficit by Iran will be filled in suitably. The oil industry has changed fundamentally as sell. Global oil demand only increased by 1.6% in 2017 and 1.3% in 2018, according to the International Energy Administration. Most of the increase came from China, which now consumes 13% of global oil production but that number is slated to fall sharply due to the country’s slowing growth. Again, to the Modi government’s credit, it executed a $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement with Japan in October 2018, for payments to be settled in Yen and Rupees, eliminating the need to use Dollars as a medium of exchange, with another one executed with UAE, to trade in Rupees and Dirham. These measures to maintain a comfortable forex kitty hit a high of $434.6 billion in October 2019 and will ensure India is no longer subjected to the whims and fancies of a rapidly changing global dynamic that is no longer greased by the oil wells in Ghawar, but by the bountiful wells in the Gulf of Mexico (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dexterous management of India’s fuel reserves is one of the success stories of government

The strong BJP government is not afraid of taking bold steps. In a daring move, the Finance Minister slashed corporate tax rates to revive the sagging economy.&nbsp;

The market was longing for some good news and jumped more than 5 per cent on a single day – the same day when the tax cut was announced. This is the biggest single-day jump in over a decade, a barometer indicating that the move was welcome.&nbsp;

The BJP government was criticised for derailing the economy and held responsible for a low 5 per cent GDP growth. First, the real estate sector was down and the auto industry was in the slump. These two sectors were seen as pulling down the other industries, ultimately pushing the Indian economy into recession.&nbsp;

The BJP government was under tremendous pressure to stop that from happening. As can be expected, it did not fall short of expectations. On September 20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced the corporate tax rate for domestic firms and new manufacturing units by 10 to 12 percentage points. She also said that the effective tax rate for domestic corporates, inclusive of surcharges, will fall from 34.94 per cent to 25.17 per cent, provided they stop availing of any other tax sops.

It is also to be noted that for new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019, and commencing operations by March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate comes down from 29.1 per cent to 17 per cent.&nbsp;

Earlier, corporate houses were not too pleased with the Finance Minister for announcing new tax structures in the Union budget. Foreign investments have slowed down with many companies starting to pull money out of the country. This had a negative effect on the stock market and the GDP rate started falling.

The tax rate cut is expected to boost the economy. The growth rate, which currently stands at 5 per cent, is poised to improve. Tax rates, which were earlier high, are now comparable to other Asian countries. It is slated to bring in further investments into the country.&nbsp;

The auto sector, which is already saddled with low demand and job cuts, may get a boost. This will have an overall favourable impact on the economy. India Inc has, as can be expected, welcomed the move with open arms.&nbsp;

Most investments aimed at Asia, were landing up in Vietnam and Philippines. Now with the ongoing trade war on between the US and China, these investments could be routed to India.&nbsp;

However, there are also those critics who feel that the slowdown is because of global recession and also decreased consumption demand within the economy. Hence, the tax cut will not have any direct impact on the growth.&nbsp;

The stock market jump, they argue, was more of a knee jerk reaction and may not be a steady indicator of growth. They believe that the tax cut needs to be coupled with increase in government spending, of which there are not enough signs as yet. There has been many job losses and revival of the economy will take time.&nbsp;

Critics also claim that this move is pro-rich, as only corporate taxes have been slashed. To boost demand, disposable income in the hands of the consumers is mandatory. For that to happen, income tax rate for individuals need to be reduced. At the moment, though, it is the other way round.&nbsp;

There is also the view that economic development is happening in bits and parts. It may not be enough to create confidence in the minds of the investors.&nbsp;

However, the tax cut by the BJP government remains a welcome step in the right direction and a few more steps are needed to put the economy back on the right course. The tax cut could be an initial reform and may act as a steroid for the economy. It proves one thing, however, that the BJP government is stable enough to take bold steps to revive the economy. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-a-much-needed-steroid-for-the-slowing-down-indian-economy-2795226">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The strong BJP government is not afraid of taking bold steps. In a daring move, the Finance Minister slashed corporate tax rates to revive the sagging economy. The market was longing for some good news and jumped more than 5 per cent on a single day – the same day when the tax cut was announced.

The strong BJP government is not afraid of taking bold steps. In a daring move, the Finance Minister slashed corporate tax rates to revive the sagging economy. The market was longing for some good news and jumped more than 5 per cent on a single day – the same day when the tax cut was announced. This is the biggest single-day jump in over a decade, a barometer indicating that the move was welcome. The BJP government was criticised for derailing the economy and held responsible for a low 5 per cent GDP growth. First, the real estate sector was down and the auto industry was in the slump. These two sectors were seen as pulling down the other industries, ultimately pushing the Indian economy into recession. The BJP government was under tremendous pressure to stop that from happening. As can be expected, it did not fall short of expectations. On September 20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced the corporate tax rate for domestic firms and new manufacturing units by 10 to 12 percentage points. She also said that the effective tax rate for domestic corporates, inclusive of surcharges, will fall from 34.94 per cent to 25.17 per cent, provided they stop availing of any other tax sops. It is also to be noted that for new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019, and commencing operations by March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate comes down from 29.1 per cent to 17 per cent. Earlier, corporate houses were not too pleased with the Finance Minister for announcing new tax structures in the Union budget. Foreign investments have slowed down with many companies starting to pull money out of the country. This had a negative effect on the stock market and the GDP rate started falling. The tax rate cut is expected to boost the economy. The growth rate, which currently stands at 5 per cent, is poised to improve. Tax rates, which were earlier high, are now comparable to other Asian countries. It is slated to bring in further investments into the country. The auto sector, which is already saddled with low demand and job cuts, may get a boost. This will have an overall favourable impact on the economy. India Inc has, as can be expected, welcomed the move with open arms. Most investments aimed at Asia, were landing up in Vietnam and Philippines. Now with the ongoing trade war on between the US and China, these investments could be routed to India. However, there are also those critics who feel that the slowdown is because of global recession and also decreased consumption demand within the economy. Hence, the tax cut will not have any direct impact on the growth. The stock market jump, they argue, was more of a knee jerk reaction and may not be a steady indicator of growth. They believe that the tax cut needs to be coupled with increase in government spending, of which there are not enough signs as yet. There has been many job losses and revival of the economy will take time. Critics also claim that this move is pro-rich, as only corporate taxes have been slashed. To boost demand, disposable income in the hands of the consumers is mandatory. For that to happen, income tax rate for individuals need to be reduced. At the moment, though, it is the other way round. There is also the view that economic development is happening in bits and parts. It may not be enough to create confidence in the minds of the investors. However, the tax cut by the BJP government remains a welcome step in the right direction and a few more steps are needed to put the economy back on the right course. The tax cut could be an initial reform and may act as a steroid for the economy. It proves one thing, however, that the BJP government is stable enough to take bold steps to revive the economy. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Corporate tax cut may act as steroid for the economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal.

"Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/psocialista?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@psocialista</a> and my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/antoniocostapm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antoniocostapm</a> for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship. <a href="https://t.co/ELtP5ZayyX">pic.twitter.com/ELtP5ZayyX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1181163860872462337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian-origin Antonio Costa's Socialist Party won 106 seats in the recently held general elections. 
 
Gaining twenty more seats from 2015, the party commanded a vote share of 35.88 per cent.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. "Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. "Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship. pic.twitter.com/ELtP5ZayyX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2019 × Indian-origin Antonio Costa's Socialist Party won 106 seats in the recently held general elections. Gaining twenty more seats from 2015, the party commanded a vote share of 35.88 per cent.

Prime Minister Modi congratulates Portugal's Antonio Costa over his re-election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely visit Saudi Arabia soon during which he is expected to hold bilateral with top Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to attend an investment summit hosted by the Gulf nation in capital Riyadh.

No official announcement or confirmation of PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia has been made yet.

According to sources familiar with the development, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's recent visit to Saudi Arabia prepared the ground for the Prime Minister's visit expected later this month.

Doval discussed various aspects of bilateral issues and also explained the Saudi leadership about India's decision to abrogate Article 370 of the constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, to which the latter reportedly said that it understands India's position in this regard.

This will be PM Modi's second visit to the country. He last visited Riyadh in 2016, during which he was conferred with the highest civilian award of the country, named after Abdul Aziz Saud.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last visited India in February this year during which the two countries reaffirmed deep commitment to strengthening strategic partnership envisaged in Riyadh Declaration and also condemned extremism and terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, which is the world`s biggest oil exporter, is looking to invest $100 billion dollars in the areas of refining, energy and infrastructure.Country`s biggest oil giant Armco is also forging a partnership with Indian companies.&nbsp;

 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely visit Saudi Arabia soon during which he is expected to hold bilateral with top Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely visit Saudi Arabia soon during which he is expected to hold bilateral with top Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to attend an investment summit hosted by the Gulf nation in capital Riyadh. No official announcement or confirmation of PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia has been made yet. According to sources familiar with the development, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's recent visit to Saudi Arabia prepared the ground for the Prime Minister's visit expected later this month. Doval discussed various aspects of bilateral issues and also explained the Saudi leadership about India's decision to abrogate Article 370 of the constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, to which the latter reportedly said that it understands India's position in this regard. This will be PM Modi's second visit to the country. He last visited Riyadh in 2016, during which he was conferred with the highest civilian award of the country, named after Abdul Aziz Saud. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last visited India in February this year during which the two countries reaffirmed deep commitment to strengthening strategic partnership envisaged in Riyadh Declaration and also condemned extremism and terrorism. Saudi Arabia, which is the world`s biggest oil exporter, is looking to invest $100 billion dollars in the areas of refining, energy and infrastructure.Country`s biggest oil giant Armco is also forging a partnership with Indian companies.

PM Modi expected to visit Saudi Arabia soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief BS Dhanoa.

Tweeting some pictures from his meeting with the former IAF chief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Dhanoa for serving the country with utmost valour.

"Met India`s former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retired). He has served our nation with utmost valour, diligence and professionalism. He has made a rich contribution to our Air Force. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," the Prime Minister tweeted.

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Met India’s former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retired). He has served our nation with utmost valour, diligence and professionalism. He has made a rich contribution to our Air Force. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours. <a href="https://t.co/oAU8vM0tzM">pic.twitter.com/oAU8vM0tzM</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1180125061761486849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Dhanoa retired on September 30 after 41 years of glorious service to the nation.
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"He was commissioned in June 1978 as a fighter pilot and has led the IAF from front always," IAF had said in a tweet.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was instrumental in planning and executing a successful airstrike against the terrorist camp near Balakot, which is located across POK, in Pakistan, in February this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief BS Dhanoa. Tweeting some pictures from his meeting with the former IAF chief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Dhanoa for serving the country with utmost valour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief BS Dhanoa. Tweeting some pictures from his meeting with the former IAF chief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Dhanoa for serving the country with utmost valour. "Met India`s former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retired). He has served our nation with utmost valour, diligence and professionalism. He has made a rich contribution to our Air Force. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," the Prime Minister tweeted. Met India’s former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retired). He has served our nation with utmost valour, diligence and professionalism. He has made a rich contribution to our Air Force. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/oAU8vM0tzM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 4, 2019 × Dhanoa retired on September 30 after 41 years of glorious service to the nation. "He was commissioned in June 1978 as a fighter pilot and has led the IAF from front always," IAF had said in a tweet. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was instrumental in planning and executing a successful airstrike against the terrorist camp near Balakot, which is located across POK, in Pakistan, in February this year.

PM Modi meets former IAF Chief Dhanoa, says he served the nation with utmost valour

Continuing India's neighbourhood-first policy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two projects in Mauritius along with the Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth through video conferencing.

Continuing India's neighbourhood-first policy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two projects in Mauritius along with the Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth through video conferencing. The projects which Mauritius PM described "Mother India's blessing" are phase one of Mauritius metro and a new ENT hospital. Jugnauth, speaking on the occasion in Hindi said, "Iskey liye Mauritius Ki Janta bharat ki hamesh abhari rahi gi" (our people will forever be grateful to India). "We need the blessings of Mother India for us to pursue our journey in the more auspicious manner. Your message today will represent those blessings," he added. The metro project is the biggest project undertaken in the country and has been in pipeline for three decades. Speaking at the inauguration PM Modi said, "The metro will provide clean, efficient and time-saving transport. It will contribute to economic activities and tourism..The other project inaugurated today - state-of-the-art ENT Hospital - will contribute to quality healthcare. The Hospital has an energy-efficient building and will offer paper-less services" India is already involved in several projects in the country. In 2016, India provided a Special Economic Package of $ 353 million for the execution of five projects -- Metro Express Project, Supreme Court Building, New ENT Hospital, Social Housing project, Supply of digital tablets to primary school children -- in the Indian ocean country. Some other India-assisted projects existing in Mauritius include the Upadhyay Training Centre, the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, the Subramania Bharati Eye Centre, the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre (SVICC). Mauritius is also keen to get modern electric buses. Jugnauth visited India twice this year. Both Modi and Jugnauth also met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly last week in New York. The inauguration of projects in Mauritius by video conferencing comes weeks after India inaugurated projects in Nepal. In early September, India and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated south Asia's first cross border oil pipeline. The pipeline from Motihari in Bihar to Amlekhganj in Nepal will transfer petroleum products such as diesel, LPG, aviation turbine fuel etcetera.

PM Modi inaugurates two projects in Mauritius through video conferencing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Mauritius are diverse and vibrant democracies, which are committed to working for the prosperity of their people as well as for peace in the region and the world.

Prime Minister Modi, after jointly inaugurated two landmark projects in Mauritius with his island nation counterpart Pravind Jugnauth via video conference on Thursday, said: "These projects are the symbol of India's strong commitment to the development of Mauritius."

"We are proud that India has partnered with Mauritius in these and other projects of direct public interest. Last year, a joint project provided e-tablets to young children. The new Supreme Court building and one thousand social housing units are coming up rapidly," added Modi.

PM Modi and Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the Phase-1 of the Metro Express and a new ENT Hospital.

"This is a new chapter in our shared history, heritage and cooperation. These developments make the inauguration of the first phase of the Metro project an even more joyous occasion. The Metro will provide clean, efficient and time-saving transport. It will contribute to economic activities and tourism," said Modi.

Talking about the hospital, the Prime Minister said the project will contribute to quality healthcare. "The state-of-the-art ENT hospital will contribute to quality healthcare. It has an energy-efficient building and will offer paper-less services."

"Both these projects will serve the people of Mauritius. They are a symbol of India's strong commitment to the development of Mauritius," he added.

Modi also thanked the Mauritius government for joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as a founding member.

Jugnauth thanked India for the support and assistance and said the people of Mauritius will ever be grateful to India.

"Without India's support and assistance, we will never have progressed so quickly in implementing not only the metro express project but also projects such as new ENT Hospital that we relaunched a few moments ago," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Mauritius are diverse and vibrant democracies, which are committed to working for the prosperity of their people as well as for peace in the region and the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Mauritius are diverse and vibrant democracies, which are committed to working for the prosperity of their people as well as for peace in the region and the world. Prime Minister Modi, after jointly inaugurated two landmark projects in Mauritius with his island nation counterpart Pravind Jugnauth via video conference on Thursday, said: "These projects are the symbol of India's strong commitment to the development of Mauritius." "We are proud that India has partnered with Mauritius in these and other projects of direct public interest. Last year, a joint project provided e-tablets to young children. The new Supreme Court building and one thousand social housing units are coming up rapidly," added Modi. PM Modi and Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the Phase-1 of the Metro Express and a new ENT Hospital. "This is a new chapter in our shared history, heritage and cooperation. These developments make the inauguration of the first phase of the Metro project an even more joyous occasion. The Metro will provide clean, efficient and time-saving transport. It will contribute to economic activities and tourism," said Modi. Talking about the hospital, the Prime Minister said the project will contribute to quality healthcare. "The state-of-the-art ENT hospital will contribute to quality healthcare. It has an energy-efficient building and will offer paper-less services." "Both these projects will serve the people of Mauritius. They are a symbol of India's strong commitment to the development of Mauritius," he added. Modi also thanked the Mauritius government for joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as a founding member. Jugnauth thanked India for the support and assistance and said the people of Mauritius will ever be grateful to India. "Without India's support and assistance, we will never have progressed so quickly in implementing not only the metro express project but also projects such as new ENT Hospital that we relaunched a few moments ago," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates two landmark projects in Mauritius via video conference

The Madras High Court on Thursday permitted the Tamil Nadu State Government to erect banners from the Chennai airport till Mahabalipuram town to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping who are to have an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-president-xi-jinping-to-visit-chennai-for-second-informal-summit-with-pm-modi-253221">informal summit in the Mahabalipuram town</a> over the next weekend.&nbsp;

The Division Bench of Justice Sathyanarayanan and Justice Seshasayee stated that permission was not required as the ban on flex banners applied only to political parties, while also making it clear that the banners must be erected in a manner that does not inconvenience to the public. The Court also said that no political parties would be allowed to erect banners.

The State Government in its affidavit submitted to the Madras High Court, on Tuesday, said that all over the state political parties were not permitted to erect banners, but since PM Modi and Xi are visiting Mahabalipuram during October 11-12 for an informal summit, as part of bilateral relations and a goodwill gesture it is customary to erect banners to welcome the dignitaries.&nbsp;

The state government mentioned that the Ministry of External Affairs has proposed to put up welcome banners in Chennai in 14 locations, nine locations in East Coast Road, two locations in Mahabalipuram. Where the state government would erect banners in five locations in Chennai, four locations in Mahabalipuram and seven locations in Old Mahabalipuram Road and East Coast Road.&nbsp;

The above welcome banners will be put up from October 9 to 13. The welcome banners will be in places as per the specifications mentioned in the existing rules and it would be ensured that these banners would not cause any hindrance to the public. The strictest standards of safety would be maintained.

The banner culture has been a talking point in Tamil Nadu over the last month, after the tragic death of 23-year old Techie Subhasree, who was run over by a lorry after an illegal banner fell on her, while she was riding her bike. In 2017, the court had banned hoardings and flex boards featuring living persons, however, the banner culture has continued to block pedestrian walkways and arterial roads unabated.&nbsp;

In December 2018, the Madras High Court restrained all the political parties in Tamil Nadu from erecting digital banners and hoardings on arterial roads posing a risk to road users and pedestrians, until further orders.

On Wednesday, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan had appealed to PM Modi on Twitter, requesting him to put an end to the banner culture, as the Madras High Court is expected to respond on Thursday to permissions sought by the state government for erecting banners ahead of the Modi-Xi Jinping informal summit that is to take place over the following weekend in Mahabalipuram.

Haasan Tweeted, ''Honorable @PMOIndia While Thamizh Nadu and Thamizhians are struggling to cope up with the loss of Shubasri’s death, the Thamizh Nadu Government has approached the courts to obtain permission to erect your banners. If you act as a pioneer in taking the first step to put an end to this haphazard banner culture, it will reflect your concern towards the sentiments of Thamizhians, and that in itself will garner you the greatest publicity possible. Jai Hind!”

The Madras High Court on Thursday permitted the Tamil Nadu State Government to erect banners from the Chennai airport till Mahabalipuram town to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping who are to have an informal summit in the Mahabalipuram town over the next weekend.

The Madras High Court on Thursday permitted the Tamil Nadu State Government to erect banners from the Chennai airport till Mahabalipuram town to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping who are to have an informal summit in the Mahabalipuram town over the next weekend. The Division Bench of Justice Sathyanarayanan and Justice Seshasayee stated that permission was not required as the ban on flex banners applied only to political parties, while also making it clear that the banners must be erected in a manner that does not inconvenience to the public. The Court also said that no political parties would be allowed to erect banners. The State Government in its affidavit submitted to the Madras High Court, on Tuesday, said that all over the state political parties were not permitted to erect banners, but since PM Modi and Xi are visiting Mahabalipuram during October 11-12 for an informal summit, as part of bilateral relations and a goodwill gesture it is customary to erect banners to welcome the dignitaries. The state government mentioned that the Ministry of External Affairs has proposed to put up welcome banners in Chennai in 14 locations, nine locations in East Coast Road, two locations in Mahabalipuram. Where the state government would erect banners in five locations in Chennai, four locations in Mahabalipuram and seven locations in Old Mahabalipuram Road and East Coast Road. The above welcome banners will be put up from October 9 to 13. The welcome banners will be in places as per the specifications mentioned in the existing rules and it would be ensured that these banners would not cause any hindrance to the public. The strictest standards of safety would be maintained. The banner culture has been a talking point in Tamil Nadu over the last month, after the tragic death of 23-year old Techie Subhasree, who was run over by a lorry after an illegal banner fell on her, while she was riding her bike. In 2017, the court had banned hoardings and flex boards featuring living persons, however, the banner culture has continued to block pedestrian walkways and arterial roads unabated. In December 2018, the Madras High Court restrained all the political parties in Tamil Nadu from erecting digital banners and hoardings on arterial roads posing a risk to road users and pedestrians, until further orders. On Wednesday, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan had appealed to PM Modi on Twitter, requesting him to put an end to the banner culture, as the Madras High Court is expected to respond on Thursday to permissions sought by the state government for erecting banners ahead of the Modi-Xi Jinping informal summit that is to take place over the following weekend in Mahabalipuram. Haasan Tweeted, ''Honorable @PMOIndia While Thamizh Nadu and Thamizhians are struggling to cope up with the loss of Shubasri’s death, the Thamizh Nadu Government has approached the courts to obtain permission to erect your banners. If you act as a pioneer in taking the first step to put an end to this haphazard banner culture, it will reflect your concern towards the sentiments of Thamizhians, and that in itself will garner you the greatest publicity possible. Jai Hind!”

Madras High Court permits welcome banners for Modi-Xi Summit

Under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has set sights on becoming a $5 trillion economy in five years from now, up from about $3 trillion at present.&nbsp;

Can India pull it off, or shall we say, can’t it? The target may seem ambitious, but is certainly not beyond the indomitable spirit of Indian enterprise!&nbsp;

What is essentially required is a political and bureaucratic commitment to work overtime to make a ‘sare jahan se achcha’ Bharat, by creating an ecosystem that unleashes the ‘animal spirits’ of Indian business.&nbsp;

For long, India has been a prisoner to socialist dogma, a maze of rules and regulations and flip-flop in policymaking. A fundamental shift in mindset is needed — unless ample wealth is created, no amount of ‘fair distribution’ would ensure ease of living for the poor. Unfortunately, job creators are seen as bloodsuckers, to put it crudely.

Highly conscious of this, Modi, who hails from Gujarat — a state where ‘making money’ is not looked down upon — said in his Independence Day speech this year that wealth creators must be honoured. From the ramparts of Red Fort, he said people involved in creating wealth were, to him, &nbsp;“the wealth of the country”.&nbsp;

He stressed that people should stop viewing wealth creators with suspicion and that they deserved greater respect. Greater wealth creation would lead to greater distribution and welfare of the people. “Our investors should invest more, earn more, and generate more jobs,” he said.

Modi’s SMS to Ratan Tata inviting him to set up a Nano car plant in Gujarat, after being hounded at Singur in West Bengal, is history. The Singur episode highlighted the anti-success and anti-wealth mentality pervasive and endemic in our society, including a section of political leadership and bureaucracy. This has to change for India to achieve her growth potential.

Our business ecosystem has changed since the days of then Prime Ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, but the job of dismantling the fetters is only half done.&nbsp;

Some years ago, Gautam Adani didn’t get an audience with the ‘political CEO’ during his Bihar visit! He went on to set up industry in neighbouring Jharkhand.&nbsp;

The recent scrapping of large contracts signed earlier in Andhra Pradesh is indicative of the whimsical functioning of a section of our politicians. These point to the deep-rooted malaise in our mindset that wealth is evil and rich people are bad people!

Eminent jurist and economist of yesteryears, late Nani A Palkhivala had once pointed out, citing figures, that the number of jobs created till then in government and in organised industry was almost the same. What this meant was that people engaged in production in the industry were being regulated by an equal number of government officials. A lopsided development model, to say the least.&nbsp;

It was again Palkhivala who had made a distinction in the colour of black money. The money earned by a doctor from private practice is through perfectly legal means but turns black for not being declared in income-tax returns.

On the other hand, money made on the sly by politicians, government officials, smugglers, bootleggers etc is through patently illegal means and is hidden from the I-T department too. Yet, politicos and top government babus are held in high esteem, while rich businessmen and industrialists are seen as bad, evil people!&nbsp;

The Modi government has repealed some laws and simplified some others, but more needs to be done. Way back in 1990, a leading English daily of Gujarat used to name a businessman in an I-T case only after conviction, and not after a raid. It is a moot point if this kind of respect for wealth creators is possible in these times of media boom.

If we are not to bequeath misery and poverty to our children, the society has to shed its anti-investor, anti-wealth creator, anti-achiever and anti-success culture. PM Modi has struck the right note in his Independence Day address. On his part, he should continue to focus on clarity and stability in policymaking, and shun any flip-flop. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-respect-wealth-creators-for-conducive-economic-environment-2793818">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has set sights on becoming a $5 trillion economy in five years from now, up from about $3 trillion at present.

Under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has set sights on becoming a $5 trillion economy in five years from now, up from about $3 trillion at present. Can India pull it off, or shall we say, can’t it? The target may seem ambitious, but is certainly not beyond the indomitable spirit of Indian enterprise! What is essentially required is a political and bureaucratic commitment to work overtime to make a ‘sare jahan se achcha’ Bharat, by creating an ecosystem that unleashes the ‘animal spirits’ of Indian business. For long, India has been a prisoner to socialist dogma, a maze of rules and regulations and flip-flop in policymaking. A fundamental shift in mindset is needed — unless ample wealth is created, no amount of ‘fair distribution’ would ensure ease of living for the poor. Unfortunately, job creators are seen as bloodsuckers, to put it crudely. Highly conscious of this, Modi, who hails from Gujarat — a state where ‘making money’ is not looked down upon — said in his Independence Day speech this year that wealth creators must be honoured. From the ramparts of Red Fort, he said people involved in creating wealth were, to him, “the wealth of the country”. He stressed that people should stop viewing wealth creators with suspicion and that they deserved greater respect. Greater wealth creation would lead to greater distribution and welfare of the people. “Our investors should invest more, earn more, and generate more jobs,” he said. Modi’s SMS to Ratan Tata inviting him to set up a Nano car plant in Gujarat, after being hounded at Singur in West Bengal, is history. The Singur episode highlighted the anti-success and anti-wealth mentality pervasive and endemic in our society, including a section of political leadership and bureaucracy. This has to change for India to achieve her growth potential. Our business ecosystem has changed since the days of then Prime Ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, but the job of dismantling the fetters is only half done. Some years ago, Gautam Adani didn’t get an audience with the ‘political CEO’ during his Bihar visit! He went on to set up industry in neighbouring Jharkhand. The recent scrapping of large contracts signed earlier in Andhra Pradesh is indicative of the whimsical functioning of a section of our politicians. These point to the deep-rooted malaise in our mindset that wealth is evil and rich people are bad people! Eminent jurist and economist of yesteryears, late Nani A Palkhivala had once pointed out, citing figures, that the number of jobs created till then in government and in organised industry was almost the same. What this meant was that people engaged in production in the industry were being regulated by an equal number of government officials. A lopsided development model, to say the least. It was again Palkhivala who had made a distinction in the colour of black money. The money earned by a doctor from private practice is through perfectly legal means but turns black for not being declared in income-tax returns. On the other hand, money made on the sly by politicians, government officials, smugglers, bootleggers etc is through patently illegal means and is hidden from the I-T department too. Yet, politicos and top government babus are held in high esteem, while rich businessmen and industrialists are seen as bad, evil people! The Modi government has repealed some laws and simplified some others, but more needs to be done. Way back in 1990, a leading English daily of Gujarat used to name a businessman in an I-T case only after conviction, and not after a raid. It is a moot point if this kind of respect for wealth creators is possible in these times of media boom. If we are not to bequeath misery and poverty to our children, the society has to shed its anti-investor, anti-wealth creator, anti-achiever and anti-success culture. PM Modi has struck the right note in his Independence Day address. On his part, he should continue to focus on clarity and stability in policymaking, and shun any flip-flop. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Economic woes: PM Narendra Modi should continue to focus on clarity and stability in policymaking

Urging people to shun single-use plastic, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the plastic is hazardous for the environment across the globe and has also led to the death of many animals.

"I urge women to carry their own bags instead of plastic while going out. One bag can be used for years instead of a thin plastic bag. It takes 400 years for one thin plastic bag to decompose. It is hazardous not only for the country but for the entire Earth. Not only that, we all worship cows. But many times when a cattle die, we find that a large amount of plastic is found from its stomach. Plastic has too many negative impacts on our environment," he said while addressing Gandhi Sankalp Yatra in New Delhi.

The Home Minister also stated that it is the responsibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to create awareness about the harmful effects of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delays-plan-to-ban-single-use-plastic-in-countrywide-253183">single-use plastic </a>among the masses.

While addressing a gathering, Shah also lauded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-running-a-big-campaign-to-free-the-country-of-single-use-plastic-pm-modi-at-unga-252498">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> for talking about the importance of water conservation and claimed that scores of ponds have been filled with water because of the awareness among the general public.

"After becoming the Prime Minister for the second time, Modi Ji created the Water Power Ministry. It is Modi Ji, who took up the task of creating awareness about saving water. The result is that millions of pounds in the country are now filled with fresh water," he said.

He also announced that the BJP leaders and workers will be going to march for 150 kilometres to propagate Gandhiji's&nbsp;principles to all the people 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra'.

"BJP workers across the country will travel 150 km from today to spread Gandhiji's values to the masses. We will try to spread his message from door to door. The great man who showed the path to resolve the issues of the entire world, the man who strengthed the roots of the democracy was Mahatma Gandhi," Shah said.

BJP President Amit Shah today flagged off four-month-long nationwide Gandhi Sankalp Yatra from Shalimar Bagh in Delhi to propagate ideals of the 'Father of the Nation', including cleanliness, simplicity, use of Khadi and non-violence.

The Union Minister also walked some distance with Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and other prominent leaders of the BJP to participate in the event.

Urging people to shun single-use plastic, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the plastic is hazardous for the environment across the globe and has also led to the death of many animals.

Urging people to shun single-use plastic, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the plastic is hazardous for the environment across the globe and has also led to the death of many animals. "I urge women to carry their own bags instead of plastic while going out. One bag can be used for years instead of a thin plastic bag. It takes 400 years for one thin plastic bag to decompose. It is hazardous not only for the country but for the entire Earth. Not only that, we all worship cows. But many times when a cattle die, we find that a large amount of plastic is found from its stomach. Plastic has too many negative impacts on our environment," he said while addressing Gandhi Sankalp Yatra in New Delhi. The Home Minister also stated that it is the responsibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to create awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastic among the masses. While addressing a gathering, Shah also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talking about the importance of water conservation and claimed that scores of ponds have been filled with water because of the awareness among the general public. "After becoming the Prime Minister for the second time, Modi Ji created the Water Power Ministry. It is Modi Ji, who took up the task of creating awareness about saving water. The result is that millions of pounds in the country are now filled with fresh water," he said. He also announced that the BJP leaders and workers will be going to march for 150 kilometres to propagate Gandhiji's principles to all the people 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra'. "BJP workers across the country will travel 150 km from today to spread Gandhiji's values to the masses. We will try to spread his message from door to door. The great man who showed the path to resolve the issues of the entire world, the man who strengthed the roots of the democracy was Mahatma Gandhi," Shah said. BJP President Amit Shah today flagged off four-month-long nationwide Gandhi Sankalp Yatra from Shalimar Bagh in Delhi to propagate ideals of the 'Father of the Nation', including cleanliness, simplicity, use of Khadi and non-violence. The Union Minister also walked some distance with Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and other prominent leaders of the BJP to participate in the event.

Shun single-use plastic, carry own bags to market, says Amit Shah at Gandhi Sankalp Yatra

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